Hokkaido's minimum wage is expected to rise by 56 yen to a record 1,131 yen per hour in October, entering the 1,100-yen range for the first time, but workers and business owners are concerned that tax and social insurance thresholds could lead employees to limit their hours. (News On Japan)

Two kappa statues that served as symbols of a bridge in Ebina, Kanagawa Prefecture, have been stolen after being cherished by local residents for 34 years, with police investigating whether the thieves targeted the sculptures for their copper. (News On Japan)

Tejpal, who has denied the accusations, can appeal against the verdict in India's Supreme Court.

There were among seven to be granted humanitarian visas while playing in Australia - but the other five changed their minds and returned to Iran.

They were among seven members of Iran's team to be granted humanitarian visas while in Australia for the Women's Asian Cup - but the other five changed their minds and returned home.

A 63-year-old man from Shizuoka Prefecture has been arrested on suspicion of selling 10 stolen metal plaques, including nameplates bearing the names of bridges, to a scrap metal dealer in Ichinomiya, Aichi Prefecture. (News On Japan)

The average summer bonus paid by major Japanese companies rose above 1 million yen for the first time, reaching a record 1,042,537 yen as strong corporate earnings and substantial wage increases lifted employee compensation. (News On Japan)

A proposal to allow children to decide whether to view graphic photographs and other harrowing materials at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum has sparked debate as the city marks the 81st anniversary of the atomic bombing. (News On Japan)

The aftermath of last's year deadly crash and mounting financial losses will be Gebremariam's main challenges.

Sharif Ahmadzai, who is 26 and from Afghanistan, faces charges of homicide with intent, robbery and weapons offences.

The 27-year-old was killed by suspected robbers after resisting an attempt to rob him, police say.

The 27-year-old was beaten to death by suspected robbers after resisting an attempt to steal his belongings, police say.

The Goa bench of the Bombay High Court overturned a 2021 trial court verdict clearing Tejpal of all charges.

Blackened ships and smashed docks mark Russia's recent surge of attacks on Ukraine's coastline.

Blackened ships and smashed docks mark Russia's recent surge of attacks on Ukraine's coastline.

Umit, a female Amur tiger, has been released as part of a programme to restore the animal's population, which was wiped out in central Asia a century ago.

The singer, who last released a full album in 2016, is in the studio and "cooking", her partner said.

The singer, who last released a full album in 2016, is in the studio and "cooking", her partner said.

The government says the rescue is the country's largest single-day operation by joint security forces.

Nigeria's government says the rescue is the country's largest single-day operation by joint security forces.